Deciding on a hearing aid is not a “one size fits all” process. In her second blog on the subject, audiologist Arineh Khachatoorians discusses the many considerations that go into selecting the right hearing device.
By Arineh Khachatoorians, AuD
My prior blog focused on the qualifications of audiologists and why seeking help for a hearing loss is critical. Here, we will look at the variety of solutions available for the treatment of hearing loss and the many considerations that go into selecting the right hearing device. Audiologists understand that it is not a one size fits all process.
The first step to appropriately fit a hearing aid requires information gathering. To gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s hearing needs, the following must be understood: hearing loss, lifestyle, cosmetic preference, dexterity, listening needs and types of environments the patient is typically in. Audiologists will also learn about an individual’s motivation and expectations. There is no one hearing aid that is right for everyone. Although all hearing devices have the same basic components (microphone, amplifier, speaker and power source), there are various levels of technology sophistication and styles from which to choose. Audiologists can offer the widest range of options, including traditional hearing devices, extended wear devices, and implantable technologies, all of which may not be available at the big box stores, via internet, over-the-counter or mail order. Nor will patients know which options are appropriate for their type of hearing loss or in the case of implantable technologies, the physicians who offer them.
Every hearing device manufacturer offers a range of products with basic, advanced and premium features. Since every individual’s hearing loss is unique, one manufacturer’s product line cannot meet the needs of everyone. Audiologists will review the advantages of their recommendation to help a person understand why a particular device is being suggested. We recommend finding a practice that carries a wide range of manufacturers to give you the broadest selection available.
Fitting Considerations
Again, one size does not fit all. Hearing devices are programmed differently depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s age (children vs. adults), the degree and severity of the hearing loss, listening situations (quiet vs. noise), work environment, and processing speed of the device, among others. Audiologists are trained to use appropriate fitting strategies to ensure maximum benefit from the devices. Unlike Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), which are over-the-counter or mail order, hearing devices fit by a professional audiologist can help restore audibility based on the degree of hearing loss at each frequency. PSAPs amplify everything and emphasize low frequency information, which is not beneficial for the majority of individuals since most age-related hearing losses are worse in the higher frequencies. Properly fit hearing devices can also help improve the signal-to-noise ratio in background noise situations, which is a common area of complaint for individuals who have a hearing loss.
Fitting Strategy
Best Audiologic practices use an objective verification tool called Real Ear Measurement (REM), which measures the output or amount of gain of the hearing device while it is in an individual’s ear. This procedure accounts for the variations in the size and shape of ears, which can affect the acoustic quality and amount of amplification a person receives from a hearing device. This is a non-invasive, quick procedure done at the fitting appointment. Within REM, there are a number of different extensively researched fitting formulas that are carefully selected by your practitioner on an individual basis. These fitting algorithms ensure maximized speech understanding for adults and audibility and access to important sounds for children. Again, an appropriate fit ensures that an individual has good access to sounds, which leads to improvement in speech understanding or clarity. If a sound is inaudible then it has no chance of being understood.
My final blog on hearing loss solutions will discuss hearing aid costs. In the meantime we welcome your comments and feedback.